Principal Vehicle Systems Engineer; Mechanical

Pay Rate

$ / annually (MINIMUM) to $ / annually (MAXIMUM) – (Non-Represented Pay Band
8). Initial salary is negotiable between $ and $ to be commensurate with experience and education.

First review of applications will take place on December 26, 2025.

Manager of Vehicle Systems Engineering or designee.

This announcement will be used to establish a pool of eligible candidates for vacancies that may occur within the next twelve (12) months.

The Principal Vehicle Systems Engineer (PVSE) is responsible for planning, overseeing, assigning, reviewing, and participating in the work performed by staff engaged in the design, repair, overhaul, evaluation, and reliability assessment of BART transit vehicles. This includes work on electrical, mechanical, and electro‑mechanical systems and components, as well as their operational interactions within the Vehicle Systems Engineering Department.

The PVSE will manage both internal engineering staff and external contractors and will be responsible for completing performance evaluations for direct reports. As the lead engineer in the Rail Vehicle Systems Engineer series, the PVSE also investigates major transit vehicle equipment failures, determines root causes, and performs other related duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong background in major vehicle systems such as HVAC, pneumatics, interior systems, propulsion, friction brakes, trucks and suspension, carbody structure and crash energy management, auxiliary power supplies, doors, communications, surveillance and information systems, vehicle wiring, train control management, and vehicle automatic train control systems. Comfortable working in a shop environment, communicates ideas clearly, influences outcomes without formal authority, and proactively identifies and resolves engineering challenges.

The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies beyond the minimum qualifications in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:

• Possesses advanced technical expertise in railcar engineering and plays a key role in ensuring reliable revenue vehicle operations.
• Provides senior‑level engineering oversight for vehicle systems, managing complex projects from initiation through completion while demonstrating strong diagnostic, testing, and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Skilled in designing and implementing system improvements that enhance railcar reliability, maintainability, availability, and overall performance.
• Brings experience handling time‑critical projects, supported by exceptional report‑writing abilities and proficiency in developing technical procedures.

Applications will be screened to assure that minimum qualifications are met. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will then be referred to the hiring department for the completion of further selection processes.

The selection process for this position may include a skills/performance demonstration, a written examination, and a panel and/or individual interview. The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his or her right to work in the U. S.; and be subject to a background check.

(Does not apply to current full‑time District employees unless the specific job requires additional evaluations).

External applicants may only apply online at www.bart.gov/jobs
. Applicants needing assistance with the online application process may receive additional information by calling .

Current employees are strongly encouraged to apply online, either at www.bart.gov/jobs
, or on Web BART. Current employees may also apply using a BART paper application by delivering the completed form to the Human Resources Department, or by mailing it to P. O. Box 12688, Oakland, CA 94604‑2688.

All applicants are asked to complete the application in full, indicating dates of employment, all positions held,…